Has Anyone Done the Submarine Excursion?

[JerseyMom]

We went on the the 11/6 Wonder and are going on the Magic Western Carribean cruise next April. My DS9 is really interested in doing the submarine excursion in Grand Cayman - the one with an onboard guide - not the one you do yourself. Has anyone done this? I'd love to hear what you think.


Thanks!

 

[flexsmom]

I'd love to do this one with my daughter as well. Can anyone recommend it?

 

[prymsu]

we did this on our own, and it was awesome. It wasn't crowded or anything, and it got pretty deep, but you didn't feel any pressure or anything. OUr family thought it was well worth the money to be able to ride in a submarine.

 

[JerseyMom]

Thanks so much, Sue. It sounds perfect. I'm not sure DS is a strong enough swimmer for snorkeling and DH got very queasy last time we did a glass-bottom boat trip - watching the seaweed swaying back and forth in the wake of other boats did it for him.

 

[mickey minder]

We did the submarine excursion in Grand Cayman in January. The sub goes to 90 feet. It was truly awesome. There is also a deep sub excursion, but we wanted to try the shallow (and cheaper) one first. It was the experience of a lifetime. We saw sea turtles, a shark - it was down much deeper than we were, coral and so many fish it looked like a fish tank at the pet store. There were thousands of them everywhere. It was so cool. They even gave us certificates after the dive. Make sure you look back as your boat is leaving so you can watch the next group slowly sink under the water and disappear, just like it was never there. My daughter definitely has bragging rights when other students are studying coral and submarines. Go for it.

 

[flexsmom]

Thank you! We went to Turks & Caicos last November and the sealife we saw snorkeling was so amazing, but I couldn't share with DD5 - this seemed like a great alternative and I'm sure she'll love it!

 

[TheWog]

I did it in St. Thomas with my DS6, run by the same company, it was an incredible experience. We saw sharks and turtles as well as barracuda, lobsters, shipwreck and tons of fish. They are curious so they swim right up to you. If you want to take pictures turn around and take them out the window on the other side, they turn out much better this way, otherwise they are all blue. It was very much worth it and my son still talks about it. You will love it and talk about it for years to come.

Don't ask for towels like someone did for ours while waiting to leave. CM says "if you need a towel in a submarine, you have bigger problems than getting wet"

 

[KAMLEM]

Do you feel claustrophobic? Although I'm not typically bothered by claustrophobia I feel like I would be on a submarine.

 

[plutojudy]

We are going to do the Atlantis sub on Tuesday while in Grand Cayman. Ask me when I get back.

 

[Leejanalex]

I am claustrophobic and it didn't bother me. They have less than 20 onboard so it seems bigger. We loved it and can't wait to do it again. It is like scuba diving without all of the trouble!!

 

[TheWog]

I did not feel claustrophobic but that is me. You climb down a ladder through the small hole to a row of seats. You are facing directly out the window with about 45 other people. There is some room in the seats but not a whole lot. You will have fun, remember, I was on the one in St. Thomas, same company, but could be a slightly different sub size-wise.

 

[JerseyMom]

Don't ask for towels like someone did for ours while waiting to leave. CM says "if you need a towel in a submarine, you have bigger problems than getting wet" [/B][/QUOTE]

LOL When I read that I laughed so hard I spit coffee all over the keyboard. That is so funny!

Thanks for all the wonderful input everyone. I am so excited now about going!

 

[TheWog]

Have fun Jerseymom, you and your family will love it.

 

[plutojudy]

We just got back today. We did the Atlantis sub in Grand Cayman and enjoyed it very much. Any questions?

 

[bface]

We are planning to do this excursion in Grand Cayman and I am concerned about access on the ladder. I have arthritis in my knees and have some trouble going up stairs (although I can do it by going slowly and pulling up on the handrail). For those of you who have been on the submarine, what is your opinion as to whether this is possible with "bad" knees? I have visions of a crane trying to get me out after the trip!

 

[MariettaC]

Last October, my DH and DSL went on the submarine and both loved it.

 

[plutojudy]

bface, I didn't have a problem getting down or up the ladder. I didn't see anyone having a problem. There are good handrails. I think you will be fine. Enjoy.

 

[mickey minder]

My DD had foot surgery in November. We did this excursion in January. As she was getting onto the top of the sub, I told the crew that she had recent surgery. They were very helpful. They let her go down last and made sure that someone was very close by when she was on the ladder. I was very concerned when I saw how this was set up, but she did great and there were plenty of hands to help her. We had to tender to Grand Cayman and getting on and off the tender (in very rough water) was even more frightening. The CMs were great about it and they had to work pretty hard in the weather conditions (they moved the ship to another side of the island due to rough water). Just mention that you may need some extra help and there will be hands coming to help you from all directions.

 

[bface]

I appreciate the encouragement! I have been nervous about trying this but it sounds great and I hated to miss it. From what ya'll say, I think there will be lots of help if I need it.